Tuesday 28 May 2013

Chemotherapy & Oral Health


Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer. These drugs kill cancer cells, but they may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth. Side effects include problems with your teeth and gums; the soft, moist lining of your mouth; and the glands that make saliva.You may have certain side effects in your mouth from chemotherapy. Another person may have different problems. The problems depend on the chemotherapy drugs and how your body reacts to them. You may have these problems only during treatment or for a short time after treatment ends.
+Painful mouth and gums.

+Dry mouth.
+Burning ,peeling and swelling of tongue.
+Infection
+Change in taste.

Visit a dentist two weeks before chemotheraphy begins.if you have already started chemotheraphy and didnt go to a dentist,see one as soon as possible.


Dentist will:
+Check your teeth.
+Take x-rays.
+Take care of mouth problems.
+Will show you how to take care of mouth to prevent side effects .
The first step is to see a dentist before you start cancer treatment.once your treatment starts.it is important to look into your mouth everyday for sores and other changes.these tips can prevent and treat sore mouth.

+Keep your mouth moist.
+Drink a lot of watersuck icechips.
+Use sugarless gum or sugar free hard candy.
+Use a saliva substitute to help moisten your mouth.
Instructions to be followed during chemotherapy:

+Clean your mouth tongue and gums.Brush your teeth ,tongue and gums with extra-soft tooth brush every meal and at bedtime.If brushing hurts soften the brustles with hot water.
+Use a fluoride toothpaste.
+Dont use mouthwashes with alcohol in them.
+Floss your teeth gentle eveyday,if your gums bleed and hurt,if your gums bleed and hurt ,avoid those area that are bleeding,but keep flossing your other teeth
+Rinse your mouth several times a day with a solution of 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon with salt in one cup of warm water.follow with a plain rinse water.
+Dentures that dont fit will cause problems.talk to your oncologist or your dentist about your dentures.

If your mouth is sore, watch what you eat and drink:

+Choose foods that are good for you and easy to chew and swallow.
+Take small bites of food, chew slowly, and sip liquids with your meals eat soft, moist foods such as cooked cereals, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.
+If you have trouble swallowing, soften your food with gravy, sauces, broth, yogurt or other liquids+Foods that are hot, spicy, or high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices, which can irritate your mouth.

Remember to stay away from:
+SUGAR
+Sharp, crunchy foods, chips, that could scrape or cut your mouth.ry foods, like candy or soda, that could cause cavities .Toothpicks, because they can cut your mouth.
+All tobacco products
+Alcoholic drinks.


1 comment:

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